One of the interesting things that came out of the pandemic was individual news reporting away from the studio. Instead of reporters or discussion panelists sitting around a table, they’re broadcasting live from their own homes. Their glitzy digs often steal the show. Especially on national news programs like Washington Week in Review. The moderator, Jamiche Alcidor, is in the studio. However, that’s not too interesting. But when we see the panelists inside their homes, it grabs my attention. Especially with high profile journalists in glamorous settings. I devour every detail. The plants, pictures, furniture, lamps, etc. Often, after the person has finished speaking, I can’t remember what they said. All I can recall is that beautiful sofa, the dramatic fiddle leaf philodendron, those upscale cabinets and other decorative highlights. Reporters’ digs fascinate on TV .
Consequently, you wonder how much time they spend setting the stage. Do they have a decorator come in and paint the walls—usually white—and arrange the furniture? Or is this how they really live? . After awhile, the backdrops seem to follow a pattern. At least half of them will have a bookcase in view. I guess that is supposed to indicate that they’re educated and well read. There’s often a plant. Do they actually water them, or were they just ordered from a florist? Pictures on the wall are carefully arranged along with interesting accessories.. I love it when someone is sitting in their kitchen, because I get to see all the sparkling, new fangled appliances
It’s even more fun watching home grown news programs like Indiana Week in Review. The Midwestern backdrops are modest in comparison to national news.. But it’s interesting to see the image they’re trying to project. Ann Delaney, the leading Democratic panelist, started out with upscale décor in a sophisticated setting. Now she’s switched to an egalitarian persona in a plainer room with a sloppily arranged bookcase. Mike Obrien, the major Republican panelist, has a patriotic, business like space, with plaques and flags and the usual white walls. I love reporter Mickey Kelley’s pink walls. Sometimes you can even spot a microwave in her kitchen.. Now, there’s a lady everyone can relate to. John Schwantes, the legal eagle, also sits in front of a bookcase where the books are slanted, not straight up as if unused.